Getting started with Dungeons and Dragons.

[Owen RC]

Some of my friends and I have decided to start playing D&D and I was just wondering where would be a good place to start? Would the set below provide us with all we need to start playing and if not is there anything else needed to play or not technically required but recommended for playing D&D? D&D Starter Set [http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Fantasy-Roleplaying-Game/dp/0786956291/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357806284&sr=1-2&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+4th+edition]

Also would any of the manuals below provide information not included in the starter set or could we manage without them?
Player's Handbook [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786948671?ie=UTF8&tag=alexgnome-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0786948671]

Monster Manual [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786948523?ie=UTF8&tag=alexgnome-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0786948523]

Dungeon Master's Guide [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786948809?ie=UTF8&tag=alexgnome-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0786948809]

Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks in advance for any help.

 

[DoPo]

Also would any of the manuals below provide information not included in the starter set or could we manage without them?

Well...how should I put this...yes, they will give you more info. For example, the starter set only goes up to the 3rd level and offers very few options. Frankly, I myself don't really like it. You will be given a list of numbers for the characters and you won't know why those numbers exactly. Also, the starter set isn't much of a long term thing, as far as I saw - there is one adventure included and just a bit of information on the classes/races and running adventures. I think you'll really be better off with getting the three books - they give you content to last you for quite a while and better explanation of the rules and such. I think you can find bundles with the three, actually. If you are picking them separately, you can swap the Monster Manual for Monster Vault. I haven't used it myself, but I hear it's a good substitute. If you can afford it, you can also get the Player's Handbook 2 is good - it gives you more races and classes. Finally, something very valuable is the Character Builder - it makes creating characters so simple. But I've got no idea how you go about it - I've used it from a friend of mine and he had a subscription, I think things changed around and it's now online or something (used to be just software) but I don't know. If you can find out and it's not too horrible to use it, then I'd suggest you go for it.

 

[Owen RC]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ranorak]

First of all, welcome to DnD.

Personally, I never used the starting kit, so I can't comment on how good it is.
But it does only cover very basic character info for level 1-3.

While the Player Handbook has all the data for the basic classes for level 1-30.
Buying the 3 core book will significantly increase your, and the other player's choice.

You could switch out the monster Manual with the monster vault. It is more or less the same, but the vault has a bunch of tokens with them, making it easier to set up your game.

The Dungeon Master Guide is obviously a tool for the DM, and is optional if you already have a DM who knows the rules.
If not, I highly recommend reading it, it has some great tips on how to run a game, how to custom make monsters, etc.

The player handbook (there are 3 in total) provides the info and rules for the players
Playerhandbook 1 introduces the following classes: Cleric, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Warlock, Warlord and Wizard.
Playerhandbook 2 has: Avenger, Barbarian, Bard, Druid, Invoker, Shaman, Sorcerer and Warden
Playerhandbook 3: Ardent, Battlemind, Monk, Psion, Runepriest and Seeker.

Playerhandbook 1 is more than enough, but if you really REALLY want to play one of the other classes, and have the money, the other PHB's provide the info.

And, as DoPo said, there is a online website that offers several services, like, A complete Compendium of every item, spell, feat, monster, whatever. A character builder, and monthly pdf-magazines that introduce new adventures, items and ideas. But it costs 15 euro a month, and can be found at Dndinsider.

Feel free to ask me any questions, I've been playing 4th edition for a couple of years now, and I like to think I get the jist of it.

 

[Owen RC]

Thanks for the help, could I skip the starter set if the player handbook explains how to actually play the game? Price is not too much of an issue as my friends and I will be splitting the cost between us.

 

[Ranorak]

Yes, the PHB explains everything the players need to know.
From the process of making a character,
The races, some of the lore behind them.
The classes with all of their attacks and paths.
All the skills are explained.
All the basic feats.
A list of mundane weapons and armour and their stats, as well as magic items.
and of course the rules of combat.

 

[Owen RC]

Much obliged, thanks for all the help.

 

[DoPo]

Thanks for the help, could I skip the starter set if the player handbook explains how to actually play the game?

Sorry I wasn't clear - yes, completely skip it. I see little to no reason for anybody to use it. Sure, it's good to run an introductory game but...that's it - you're throwing money on one introductory game. Or maybe two. Still, way too much for my tastes. I actually bought the red box for a friend of mine, though. Still, he has a club where he plays RPGs with kids, so it's actually worthwhile - he'll be playing a few introductory campaigns anyway, and this is good. But for a new group...it's just a cash grab, if you ask me. The whole "Oh, this will introduce you to the game!" is...not completely bullshit but bullshit enough - it will show you vaguely what the game is but that's it, you won't be able to pursue it.